Kia has unveiled further information regarding its all-new EV9 electric flagship SUV after a design preview that took place a fortnight ago. Kia’s first three-row zero-emission utility vehicle, it is underpinned by the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) from parent company Hyundai Motor Group. The EV9 is endowed with fourth-generation battery technology and features a trifecta of powertrain configurations.
2024 Kia EV9 Preview
Trim Levels
The entry-level iteration is the RWD Standard model, packing a 76.1-kilowatt-hour battery. An electric motor powers this base model and generates 160 kilowatts (215-horsepower) in conjunction with 258 pound-feet (350 Newton-meters) of torque. As per preliminary data, it boasts an acceleration of 0-62 mph within 8.2 seconds.
For individuals, who place greater emphasis on the range as opposed to performance, the Kia EV9 RWD Long Range variant is a suitable option. Kia fitted it with a 99.8-kWh battery and an electric motor that yields 150-kW (201-hp). This particular configuration allows the electric SUV to zoom to 62 mph (100 kph) in 9.4 seconds, with a projected target range of over 336 miles (541 kilometers) when installed with 19-inch wheels and assessed on the WLTP test cycle.
The aforementioned 99.8-kWh battery also fuels the EV9 AWD range-topper. It is equipped with two electric motors that collaborate to generate 283 kW (380 hp) and a combined 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. In this setup, the electric utility vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph within 6.0 seconds. An optional Boost feature is available for consumers seeking a more rapid acceleration experience. The Boost feature is slated to be sold at the Kia Connect Store and promises to decrease the acceleration time to 5.3 seconds. The Boost feature elevates combined torque to 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) upon activation.
Range and Charging
Unfortunately, Kia has not publicized the intended range for the rear-wheel drive Standard and EV9 AWD variants. Nevertheless, the ultra-fast 800 Volt charging system will furnish the EV9 with an additional 148 miles of range (claimed) within approximately 15 minutes.
Like other automobiles underpinned by the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 electric flagship SUV is equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities that are accessible via its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The ICCU allows consumers to harness up to 3.68 kW of power to energize laptops or utilize camping equipment, among other utilities.
Technology
The primary technological crowning glory for the EV9 is the groundbreaking Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, which will permit conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in designated markets, subject to local conditions. HDP’s sophisticated 15-sensor array, including dual lidars, enables it to diligently scan and recognize objects within a comprehensive 360-degree field of vision, thus averting potential collisions. While presently available in the GT-Line variant, HDP is expected to extend across other EV9 models in the future.
Additionally, the EV9 features the cutting-edge Kia Connect Store, referenced earlier, which empowers clients to purchase digital features and services on demand. The Connect Store also facilitates the continual elevation of EV9’s capabilities via over-the-air (OTA) updates anytime, anywhere. For instance, the EV9 GT-Line’s revolutionary “Digital Pattern Lighting Grille” tech can be further improved by including the “Lighting Pattern” feature. Furthermore, Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) is available as a digital attribute, as is content streaming through the EV9’s state-of-the-art Audio Visual, Navigation, and Telematics (AVNT) system.
The Kia EV9 is jam-packed with high-tech features, and the list of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is extensive, to say the least. The EV9 boasts a suite of safety technologies, including Rear-Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC). But that’s not all, as the EV9 also includes Kia’s Digital Key 2, which utilises cutting-edge Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology. With this feature, users can unlock and ignite their vehicle through their smartphone, even when the key is tucked away in their pocket or bag.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the EV9 are almost the same as those of the Telluride, with a length of 197.2 inches (5,010 millimeters), a width of 77.9 in (1,980 mm), and a height of 69.1 in (1,755 mm). Nonetheless, there is a noteworthy distinction regarding the wheelbase, which is extended by almost 8 inches for the EV9, measuring 122 in (3,100 mm).
The EV9’s ample proportions are directly proportional to its spacious interior, which includes three rows of seats that can be configured for six or seven passengers. The second-row seats come in four variations, including a 3-seater bench, basic-kind, relaxation-sort, and swivel-style independent seats that can rotate 180 degrees to face the third row. With the relaxation-type seats, the first- and second-row seats can recline simultaneously while the vehicle is charging.
The Kia EV9 boasts an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28, which can be attributed to incorporating several innovative features. These include a 3D-sculpted underbody cover that reduces air resistance, as well as aerodynamic wheels ranging in size from 19 to 21 inches. Another notable feature is the integration of air curtains into the front bumper, which helps to minimize turbulence and enhance the vehicle’s overall efficiency.
Moreover, the EV9 comes in two variants: the standard model and the GT-Line trim. The latter features a number of sportier styling enhancements, such as unique bumpers, wheels, and roof rack, along with a distinctive color palette that’s sure to turn heads. With these features, the GT-Line is ideal for people wanting to make a bold statement on the road.
Public Debut
The highly anticipated public debut of the Kia EV9 is imminent, with its first appearance scheduled for the upcoming Seoul Mobility Show 2023 later this month. The excitement continues in early April with a North American unveiling at the New York International Auto Show. Following these grand unveilings, Kia is set to commence pre-orders for the home territory in the 2nd quarter of this year, with sales to follow from the second half of the year in select global markets. While pricing for the EV9 has yet to be disclosed, rest assured that Kia will keep us on our toes with more information to come at a later date.
Source and Images: Motor1